Managing Multi Dog Households

Emma Tinklenberg NCMG
Nov 12
20 min read

I recently talked on the phone with an individual involved in rescue about potentially adding another dog to my family…

The question they asked was “why?” Why do you want another dog? Why are you the right home? Why are you interested in this dog? Why do you have so many pets?

I had to think on this one, honestly, because at the end of the day, my answer is “because I want to.” That answer doesn’t sound very compelling, especially to someone who sees the worst of the worst when working in the rescue field.

I own 5 dogs, 2 cats, 6 goats, 6 chickens, 4 ducks, some fish, an axolotl, and a lizard. Why in god’s name would I want to add more to this menagerie and how, as a single working individual who runs a business and fights multiple chronic illnesses, can I manage to meet everyone’s needs?

This may be my biggest hyper-fixation of them all; managing multi-dog households. I absolutely love being able to find that perfect balance of care for all my animals - from providing clean and safe shelters, to incorporating fun and enriching experiences, and to allowing for healthy and comfortable rest.

I grew up in a home that severely neglected and mistreated animals only for those individuals to then call me an animal hoarder because I had multiple pets. After seeing how every day neglect impacted the pets I grew up with, I really strive to first meet every need that my dogs have and then secondly give them the coolest possible life with the most interesting and diverse experiences. My dogs live a life that makes other dogs jealous. Please reserve the term animal hoarder for the puppy mills and profit centric backyard breeders that deserve it.

I’ve learned a thing or two along the way so I want to share this for anyone who also has multiple pets or is considering adding an animal to their family.

Disclaimer

A disclaimer is necessary as there is a crisis in America of too many pets without homes. This is a systemic issue that is only growing as people steadily lose access to affordable housing, food, and medical care and as people’s safety is at risk. If you are adding additional pets to your family, please consider rescue as a first option. Fostering pets is a fantastic way to test run if adding another pet is feasible for your life and situation; you not only give yourself knowledge and experience, but you are helping dogs and pets in need. Fosters are typically provided with everything they need on the rescue organization’s dime so there is minimal investment on the part of the foster family. If you cannot add another pet to your family or donate your time to fostering, please consider donating financially or dropping off unused pet items at local pet food pantries that strive to keep pets out of rescue in the first place by providing families with the essentials they need to keep their pets. Local resources for West Michigan readers linked below.

Adding another pet to your home is not a light decision - veterinary care, food, and equipment is expensive and your time is valuable. If you cannot provide adequate housing, training, and care, tread carefully here and consider volunteering, fostering, or donating instead. I believe owning pets is an experience everyone should be able to enjoy however adding multiple pets is a bit of a privilege. The decision to add new pets should not be taken lightly.

A Note on Breeds

I wanted to add a sub section for this specific note… In writing this article I am referencing my own pack of dogs which consists of different breeds; English cocker spaniels, a Shetland sheepdog, an Icelandic sheepdog, and a Scottish deerhound. I have also incorporated foster dogs of unknown breed make ups into this pack.

A pack of dogs of the same breed and a pack of dogs of different breeds are, in my opinion, the same thing. My purebred aficionados will likely balk at this… But the breed does not fully define the individual. The breed of dog will set the framework for its temperament but deviations within that framework still encompass a huge variety. Relying on specific breed traits to define your dog and fit a specific mold is setting yourself up for disappointment. My first Sheltie and my current Sheltie (they are uncle and nephew even!) could not be more different. One was reserved, aloof, thoughtful and never got dirty, the other is extremely social, reckless, foolish, and runs head first into mud.

Choosing a breed to add to your pack is an important decision to match your lifestyle with prominent breed traits but once you have the dog, you need to read and respond to the individual in front of you, not what is written in a theoretical breed standard. Many rescues have moved away from breed labels entirely as it sets up too many unintended associations and because identifying the genetic make up of breeds is impossible to tell from visual appearance alone. This encourages adopters to consider the individual dog and their needs first.

Definitions

A note on terms; I consider a multi-dog household as any household with two or more pets. I will frequently use the terms “pack” or “crew” to refer to groups of dogs (cats can be included in this, though I am specifically speaking to dogs).

The word “pack” is a heavily loaded word; pack theory is a very outdated and scientifically incorrect idea that dogs form a hierarchy consisting of an alpha and subordinates. I would encourage you to investigate the research on this as well as subsequent studies that have shown its fallacies. These studies are linked below; they are an excellent example of the pitfalls of poorly done research and the ways that science improves on itself. I believe as the humans responsible for our dogs that we have the gift of critical thinking and should be making judgement calls and stepping in as leaders to provide a safe and comfortable environment but beyond that, we do not have some inherent superiority or need to display control or power over our dogs. If you need to have a power trip to own and control a dog, maybe just don’t get one.

I digress.

How do you manage a multi-dog household?

I will go through some of the biggest factors that I have found to be necessary, useful, and beneficial to managing a pack of dogs. Comments and questions are encouraged if I have missed anything. This is largely based on my own personal experience though I have linked studies and research that supports what I have written.

Structure and Freedom

One of the most important tools we have at our disposal is simply how we set up and structure our dogs’ daily routine. This sets the framework for how we can then build positive and enriching experiences while maintaining healthy and calm living conditions.

For working individuals this will structure heavily around work schedules. During work hours are when your dog will be at rest which means off hours are going to be more active. If you get home from work and wonder why your dog is bouncing off the walls, it’s because they’ve been conserving all their energy for exactly this moment!

Daycares and pet sitters are options here as well with trustworthy, insured, and experienced businesses or individuals. Any time you are entrusting your dog’s care with someone else, heavy vetting should be done. Weighing the pros and cons of situations like daycare kennels on dogs’ mental health and physical safety is very important - consider discussing with a trainer if daycare is a good option for your pets. There are a lot of poor business practices within the pet industry of which I have an unfortunate amount of personal experience.

Every household is going to have to set defined “house rules” and maintain them at all times. These are things like; dogs allowed on furniture, feeding times, bedtimes, rough-housing inside, begging at the table, etc etc. The best way to stop unwanted behaviors is to prevent them from happening in the first place. A tired dog will be much less likely to rough house inside so prevention for that may look like taking them for a long hike before they are allowed to roam in the house after a work day. Tethering, crating, or teaching a “place” cue during mealtimes can prevent begging at the table rather than scolding a dog for this natural tendency. Also prevent people from handing out table scraps and you’ve eliminated a huge driving factor of begging! Yelling or scolding a dog in these situations does not work; they need to be prevented from performing these behaviors so that they can build good habits. Rehearsal of bad behavior is one of its biggest reinforcers. If a dog counter surfs successfully and scores a pumpkin muffin (Royal…) they are much more likely to do it again. If the pumpkin muffin had not been left on the counter (my fault…) Royal would not be likely to counter surf.

After you’ve defined a framework for daily rules and activity, you can then open it up for freedom and flexibility within those guidelines. If we take some notes from the etymology here; the frame is the boundary of the artwork, but what is built off of the canvas is the freedom to explore and create within that space. The frame is a two dimensional space; what we build off of it is our third dimension to explore and provide enrichment. Structure and freedom are not in opposition to each other, in fact they work hand in hand.

Spend some time considering what an ideal daily structure looks like for your situation. Consider how essential daily husbandry tasks (mealtimes, bedtimes, grooming, exercise, rest, etc) fit into this schedule and then build off from it all the fun activities (training, enrichment, play, snuggles, etc) you can participate in with your dog. How does this schedule change with changing work schedules? Days off? Days with additional appointments - grooming, veterinary, or training classes? Days with guests over? Providing dogs with a rest day is important as well. Rest can still be active, but never forced.

The individual needs of each dog will define a lot of this structure. We will talk more about managing very different individual needs below - see Elders and Youths section.

Crates, Gates, and Muzzles

There are many tools at our disposal for maintaining structure and safety. These tools are crates, gates, fences, rooms, muzzles, and leashes. All of these act as some sort of confinement or barrier. Used properly, they are extremely beneficial not only for multi dog households, but for individual dogs as well.

All of these tools need to be introduced and trained first to prevent negative associations. I almost wrote in “with the exception of fences, gates, and rooms” as those are normal household architecture features however I think some acclimation here is beneficial as well if you are using these for confinement or separation. These things act as barriers and barriers can very often cause frustration which could lead to reactivity or separation anxiety. Please reach out to a trainer for help teaching and introducing these things - some resources linked below.

I have some strong feelings about crates and kennels. I have seen firsthand the pitfalls of overusing kennels and the subsequent physical and mental damage it can do to dogs. However, used in moderation and with a defined structure, they are an integral part of managing multiple dogs. You may often hear the term “crate and rotate” in reference to households where some dogs do not get along. This does not mean the dogs are only kept in kennels, just that their day is structured so that the unfriendly dogs don’t have to interact with each other.

Some effort should be put into making kennels as comfortable as possible. I like to use the largest size possible for kennels at home. Kennels are outfitted with comfortable mats (plug for Primo Pads for being [nearly] indestructible, easy to clean, and comfortable for the dogs), blankets (except for dogs who like to ingest stuffs), bones to chew, and water buckets. Most of the kennels here are covered and placed in corners to add some security and privacy.

For my daily structure and use of crates, I am looking at the quality of time outside the kennel as opposed to how many hours a dog is in the kennel. Used correctly, the kennel is the dog’s safe space to relax, rest, and conserve energy. Dogs should not be frantic or anxious of their kennels - if they are, it is likely an indicator of overuse and a lack of exercise.

Dogs in my household are separated for meals, enrichment toys (anything with food; peanut butter kongs, chews, puzzle toys), and while I am away. For safety, it is recommended never to leave multiple dogs together unattended even if they have a track record of getting along. Disagreements between dogs can happen in the blink of an eye and it is just not worth the risk.

Muzzles are a fantastic tool for dogs that do have a history of not getting along. I believe every dog should be muzzle trained. You never know when you may need one and having a baseline of positive experiences is important. Again, reach out to a trainer for help introducing, fitting (very important!), and using muzzles. Dogs should never be put in situations that are more stressful than they can tolerate just because they are wearing a muzzle. A seatbelt is never an excuse to drive recklessly; it is there in case of emergencies.

Baby gates through the house are useful depending on the layout of your house - especially useful in homes with cats as cats can easily jump over a gate to find a safe space away from dogs when needed. Also useful for blocking off areas with hazards; kitchens when meals are being prepared or stairs that elderly dogs may not be able to navigate.

Monitoring body language for stress signals is the most important thing you can do when managing multiple dogs. Articles, images, and studies on body language cues linked below. If you start to see stress signals in your dogs, giving them a break in a kennel, behind a gate, or in a separate room can be very beneficial. Dogs should never be put in a situation where they “just work it out.” Again, as humans with the cognitive ability of critical thinking, we need to provide animals with a safe environment. That means protecting their boundaries and giving them rest when needed.

Space

Just like barriers, space can be an incredibly useful tool for deescalating situations and creating a safe and calm environment.

My first job involved managing play groups at a large scale dog daycare. We would coordinate dogs into different groups based on size and play style. Often the problematic dogs would earn themselves a spot in the largest yards. I found time and time again that the same group of dogs that exhibited stress signals and had issues when playing in small yards could play peacefully and happily when they just had a larger space to move in. A natural way that dogs communicate is by simply walking away. When you take away that ability, dogs can feel stuck and subsequently start displaying stress signals and even aggressive displays.

Many rescues and breeders will insist on the potential adopter having a fenced in yard. This is not just for protection against lost dogs. When you have multiple dogs it is almost essential to have a large space where they can play and take space from each other. I say almost because there are ways to structure dogs’ days without having access to a fenced area, but it is immensely more challenging especially with dogs that may have ill feelings towards one another.

Places inside the home where conflicts are common are tight spaces like hallways, doorways, aisles between a couch and a coffee table, or tight corners. It’s fairly common knowledge that you should never corner a wild animal or they may lash out with an aggressive display. The same is true for our dogs. If our dogs feel cornered or stuck, flight is taken away and so they will try to defend their space with their other remaining strategy; fight. Trainers refer to these spaces as “grumble zones” and it is very important to note what spaces in your home might create an area of conflict. This is important to be aware of in multi dog households as well as in households with small children.

There is an old mindset around doorways that humans should enter first followed by the dog in the highest standing. This, along with dominance theory as a whole, is some certified flimflam. This was likely theorized simply due to the tight space within a doorway. It is easier for dogs to go out of a door one at a time but only because it is less stressful when dogs are not occupying the same small space. The order does not generally matter.

Enrichment

At this point in this article everything sounds incredibly ordered and controlled. This is intentional, as these things are incredibly important for safety and often are neglected in today’s world of dog ownership. If we were to stop here, what a dull life our dogs would live! It is a blank canvas trapped in a frame.

From here however, we build up our painting. We create an environment where creativity can flourish and adventures can be had and life can be experienced to the fullest. We have set the structure and now we can incorporate freedom and fun safely.

Enrichment is not optional. It is crucial for fulfilling our dogs physically and mentally. Studies linked below. Enrichment takes many forms; hiking, sniff walks, training, dog sports, running, biking, swimming, scent work, tricks, puzzle games, food toys, novel foods and treats, outings, toys, and so much more.

One can easily spend a fortune on enrichment, but it does not need to be expensive (check out this article for some cost effective games and ideas: https://www.canadacornerspets.com/post/owning-dogs-doesn-t-need-to-be-expensive). Enrichment at its core is any novel or stimulating experience. Consider your dog’s senses; sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Hikes in nature have all of this!

Finding an enriching activity should be based on the individual dog’s preferences but also can be a group activity. I believe that just like homemade diets for our dogs, this balances over time. Every daily outing or activity does not have to tick every box to be fulfilling for each individual dog. Plan activities with a week in mind and break that into achievable daily goals. One dog might have a less active schedule one day, but they can make up for it with a special outing the next. You might have a strenuous physical activity planned for your dog and then the next day focus on more of a mental puzzle to allow them some physical rest. Variety is the key ingredient here! Doing the same activity every day loses that novelty and spontaneity thus falling into the category of routine.

When I was at my most active in the dog agility world I was taking or teaching classes 5 nights a week plus a full 12 hour day of training and then events on the weekend. It became my career and my dogs’ careers! The novelty faded and we all were stuck in a trap of burn out. It took branching into other sports and even stepping away from dog sports entirely (COVID played a role here as well) to rekindle that spark of interest that agility had once held. Too much of anything is not ideal - for dogs OR people.

Elders and Youth

Managing dogs with very different needs poses a significant challenge as in the case of caring for senior dogs and raising puppies.

There is a wealth of resources (linked below) for raising puppies successfully so I won’t go too much in depth on that aside from a note on the other dogs. When you add a puppy to your family, they take up a lot of attention (as they should!). However, your existing dogs have even more crucial needs at this time. The whole household is in a time of transition and relationships are precarious. Many adult dogs do not like puppies; puppies are rude, they have sharp teeth, they steal stuff, they have no respect for personal space, and they are loud and tiring to be around. Your adult dog may want nothing to do with your puppy and even show signs of aggression when in close proximity. This is not in and of itself cause for worry that they will never get along. It is more than likely your adult dog asking for space and a break from the youth. Please work with your trainer here as this takes delicate management and training as well as being heavily dependent on your individual dog and situation. Just like a child may be emotionally disregulated at a sibling’s birthday party or sharing their toys, an adult dog may struggle to give grace and share time and resources with a puppy. Dedicating individual time to both adult dog and puppy is crucial.

With regard to seniors, it is imperative to consider their health, physical ability, and pain levels. Safety here is the most important factor. A large rambunctious puppy next to a small, fragile senior can be a recipe for injury if care is not taken. Provide seniors with safe spaces where other dogs cannot run into them or bother them. Seniors may become more defensive of their space as they realize their own physical limits. My senior dog, Lucy, in her last months would aggressively snap at the other dogs if they roused her from slumber. They fortunately learned to not disturb her but some dogs can be inept at reading cues from other dogs. Again, as humans with the gift of critical thinking it is our job to provide a safe environment. Never leave it to the dogs to “work it out.” Some households may even need to move to a crate and rotate situation to accommodate the senior in their last months and years. Resources for detecting pain and accommodation for senior dogs below.

Health

Just like managing senior dogs, managing dogs with acute or chronic health conditions can be a challenge. One of the largest drivers of disputes between dogs is due to pain. The first thing you should do if your dogs display new or unusual behavior, especially aggressive displays of any kind, is to contact your veterinarian to rule out underlying pain.

In my career as a dog groomer I am usually the first to detect subtle signs of pain, from beginning stages of arthritis to soft tissue injuries to localized cancers. I frequently say that dogs are not giving me a hard time, they are having a hard time. Whether that is from pain, stress, or lack of training, there is always a reason for a dog’s behavior.

Dogs that have never had conflict and suddenly have an altercation “out of nowhere” should be seen by a veterinarian!

When dogs have an injury, it is critical to keep them from playing rough with other dogs in the house. Not only could they re-injure themselves but they can redirect onto the other dog as a side effect of that pain. Subsequently, they can develop a negative association with play or the other dog because of the pain experienced. It is not worth the risk!

When my dog Macey had a neck injury, I set up a large pen in the living room with comfortable beds that were low to the ground and safe for her to navigate. This way she was a part of the central family activity without being in unsafe situations where she may jump onto the couch and re-injure her neck. The other dogs could see her and be nearby without risk of bumping her or causing her any pain or stress. When she had to go outside, the other dogs were put away so that I could leash walk her from the pen to outside and back safely with no risk.

Dogs with chronic or age related health conditions will set the pace for any group activity but care should be taken to provide each individual dog with the appropriate amount of exercise, care, and husbandry necessary. I often feel like a broken record telling people to take their dog to the vet, but they are the best resource to have on your dog’s care team. Health and physical safety comes first before anything else! Veterinarians are there for you every step of the way. They want to see your dogs thrive and succeed. They rejoice when your dogs are healthy and are broken hearted when they are ill. Please maintain close relationships with your veterinarian team - receptionists, assistants, technicians, and doctors. Send them some thanks and be gracious as they have one of the most mentally taxing careers out there. Resources linked below.

Energy

I will reiterate one more time that dominance theory is flimflam; asserting power over another being is a weird kind of ego trip.

It is true however that dogs are social creatures and take cues from us as humans. Dogs look to others for social cues and information. This is true between dogs and between dogs and humans. If we can be a role model for our dogs, they will often follow the example.

A quiet and calm energy begets a quiet and calm energy. If you have ever attended a corporate de-escalation training they will emphasize how stress levels and heightened energy mirrors itself. If the offender is shouting and yelling, maintaining a calm and soft voice may de-escalate an argument. Likewise if we have dogs with heightening arousal and increasing stress levels, yelling will only add to the chaos. Maintaining a level head, calm energy, and quiet demeanor will help keep stress down and aid in navigating potential areas of conflict.

Mindfulness is not just for people. I find time and time again when I have a grooming dog worried about their haircut that taking a moment myself to practice deep breathing transfers a level of calmness to the dog. Setting time aside in your daily routine with your pets to practice calmness is so important to a well rounded pack.

The quality of rest your dog gets is equally important to the quality of exercise or enrichment. A calm dog is a rested dog is a happy dog. If your dog is not able to settle and deeply relax around the house, consider that a change in routine, structure, or medical care may be needed. Often this is where use of behavioral medication may come into play to allow for healthy rest. Discussions of medications should be reserved for your veterinarian. Other industry professionals - trainers, groomers, etc. - are not qualified to diagnose or prescribe medicine.

Conclusion

Compassion and communication are the last, yet most important piece of this. Listening to what our dogs communicate with us is so integral to providing safe and happy environments. Having compassion to understand our pets’ needs, desires, and motivators will make us better handlers and ultimately deepen the bonds amongst the whole family. If there is understanding and listening, there is no need for conflict in the first place.

Navigating a multi dog household is not easy. There are times you will question your sanity. There’s a lot of management, a LOT of cleaning, a lot of exercise, a lot of mental labor, but ultimately a lot of fun and enrichment for all. Living with a pack is the most fulfilling experience and the most physically and mentally demanding; the most stress-relieving and the most stressful. It takes dedication of time, resources, knowledge, skillful handling, patience, and a level head.

Going it alone is not always possible. I have sought help from breeders, veterinarians, and many fellow trainers to navigate the ins and outs of managing this crew. It has not been easy but it is the most rewarding and fulfilling thing in my life when I look at my five happy dogs co-existing and living their lives to the absolute fullest.

Seeking help should happen before you feel overwhelmed. When you start to detect stress signals or notice an area of conflict beyond your knowledge or skillset it is time to seek veterinary or behavioral consultation. Working with a trainer when things are good is a fantastic way to set a baseline instead of only jumping in when a problem arises; proactive instead of reactive. Likewise veterinary care should involve regular wellness visits to maintain a baseline of health. Any deviation outside of that norm should be investigated as a potential health problem. The sooner you can detect and treat a problem, the better it is in the long run!

I am able to manage my crew of dogs because I put in the effort, I make time for them, and they in turn give me grace on flare-up days when I can’t get outside to walk everyone or clean up the yard. We make up for it on the good days, making the most of every moment. It’s not perfect, but neither is life. Needs are met first, daily structure is established, safety is prioritized, and then we go and have oh so much fun, individually and as a group!

If you feel like your current dogs are fulfilled and there is room in your schedule and budget for another then considering adding a dog is a possibility. The reason of “because I want to” holds merit only as an initial motivator, but the practical decision of adding another pet to the family should be weighed carefully. Dogs are a lifetime commitment. When you add a dog into your family you are signing on for every part of their care - from puppyhood to senior care and every up and down in the middle. I cherish the moments with my senior dogs so deeply - there truly is no love like the love from a grey face who has been faithfully by your side day by day. Having young dogs in the house makes those hard days a little bit easier and eases some of the grief that walks hand in hand with seniors. I can’t imagine a life without a full house of muddy floors, dust bunnies, ruckus, chaos, and snuggles on the couch with my crew of dogs.